Abstract:

ABSTRACT
The study explores strategies employed by surviving education-related NGOs
– strategies that have enabled them to continue to survive in the post
apartheid South African era. Using primarily in-depth interviews, the study
found that surviving NGOs have had to make several sacrifices and changes.
These include transforming modes of operations diversification; the shedding
of some activities; becoming more competitive and adopting more businesslike
methods of operation, such as introducing new stringent administrative
and financial management systems. As well, successful NGOs employed
better systematic planning and implementation systems; expanded from
single donor funding reliance to multiple donor sources.
The study also makes some recommendations. These include better
collaborative partnerships among the various stakeholders – government,
NGOs, donors and private sector – which need to be further nurtured; It is
imperative for NGOs to become more flexible in the activities and services
they offer and they must be ready to transform themselves when necessary.
Collaborative partnerships among NGOs are very important to enhance each
other services and function as a united front. As well, there is a need for the
government to review tendering processes, and NGOs need to put in place
monitoring & evaluation systems to support and ensure effective
implementation of strategic plans.